Mockhorn Island, the larger of the area's two tracts, is an Atlantic coastal island of over 7,000 acres of tidal marshland. Visible during low tide, much of the island is under water when the tide is full. The major vegetation is saltmarsh cordgrass. On the hummocks that remain above water, loblolly pine, red cedar, wax myrtle, green brier, honeysuckle and poison ivy are the major plant species. The focus of the management on Mockhorn Island is the conservation of its natural state. Wind and waves make most attempts at habitat manipulations impossible. The 356 acre GATR Tract, nearby on the mainland, is an area of mixed upland and marsh habitats. Both tracts are in Northampton County only a few minutes north of Cape Charles.
Recreational Opportunities on this WMA
- Hunting
- Some or all hunting is controlled by Quota Hunts.
- Trapping
- No trapping on the GATR Tract
- Primitive Camping
- Horseback riding NOT permitted
- Birding
Facilities
There is an excellent boat ramp at Oyster which is the most convenient access to Mockhorn Island and its surrounding waters.
Directions
The best access to Mockhorn Island is from the Oyster boat ramp, located east of Cheriton at the end of Route 639. To reach the GATR Tract, take Jones Cove Road east from Seaside Road.
REMINDER: This listing is a free service of VirginiaLandCAN.
Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area is not employed by or affiliated with the Virginia Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.
Contact Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area
VDGIF
Cheriton, VA 23316
Service Area
Services provided in:
- Northampton County, Virginia